Big update on Cesaro leaving WWE (Patreon)

Cesaro has left WWE. 

Just one year after reports emerged that Cesaro was signing a new deal with WWE, he's gone from the company. Fightful Select confirmed PWInsider's report with WWE and fellow talent on the roster.

The immediate reaction from those within the company was disappointment and dismay, as Cesaro has been one of the most universally liked talent on the roster. We're told this was not a case of WWE not wanting him there. In fact, he was offered a new contract, in which WWE sources claim was rejected. 

WWE confirmed to Fightful that Cesaro was on a one year extension, and as a result of it expiring, there is no non-compete clause. 

There were plans to use Cesaro on upcoming shows, but that is no longer the case. We were told that at the time of the departure, there had been no long term creative plans for Cesaro, and that unless a new deal was reached, that would remain the case. Cesaro had lost his last seven televised matches dating all the way back to November, and we're told there was no indication he was going to re-sign, and therefore no incentive to push him accordingly. 

One source indicated this wasn't the first time this had happened, as they recalled contract negotiations just last year that caused Cesaro to be pulled from a top contender gauntlet match because he hadn't signed. 

UPDATE: In the hours following this move, we've learned a lot more about it. As far back as October, Cesaro had mentioned to members of the roster that his deal was coming up in February, and wasn't sure if he'd be hanging around. There were several that we spoke to that were surprised he got a one year extension as opposed to the standard re-signing length.

Others we spoke to mentioned that they said their goodbyes, and said that he didn't necessarily provide a reason as to why he was wrapping up. However, other sources indicated "reasonable disappointment" on his part with how he was used, things he was left off of, and spots he didn't fill. WWE sources that we heard back from spoke highly of Cesaro's  professionalism in handling his last match and finishing up with the company. 

Another said that until he ends up elsewhere, there's always a possibility he could be re-signed. We were told by numerous people within WWE that it didn't appear to be a "door completely closed" or a burned bridge.